My Timeout Book Blog

May 20, 2017

Pre-Order Blast ~ The Chauffeur By A.P. Hallmark

THE CHAUFFEUR

by A.P. Hallmark

Genre: Romance

April Sanders is beautiful and educated. She’s also a chauffeur. Her elite client list is quite extensive, and Jason Rowe is one of them.

From the moment he lays eyes on her, he tries to gain her attention, but unlike the other women he’s encountered, she isn’t impressed. Imagine his surprise when he learns she’s been hired to drive exclusively for the family.

Remaining the dedicated professional, April rejects Jason’s advances. That is until she receives the approval of the family matriarch. Her life will never be the same.

When a business deal goes sour between Jason and a competitive business associate, April gets caught in the crossfire. After a series of suspicious and ominous incidents threaten the Rowes’ inner circle, Jason’s possessive and protective nature knows no bounds where Ms. Sanders is concerned.

The Rowe’s are powerful and have powerful connections. When a member of the family is wounded, there’s no stopping the force behind them.

Just as I’m perusing my schedule for my next customer pickup, Kyle texts and asks me to stop by 2335 Lakeview Drive to meet with him and his mother about the driver position. I couldn’t be more surprised at the coincidence and text back that I’m right out front. He requests that I meet him at the entrance.

I quickly add a bit of lip gloss, lock my car, and just as he said, meets me in the lobby. We silently ride the elevator to the twenty-fifth floor, and when the doors open, he escorts me to a small conference room where a stunning woman is standing, waiting for us.

Kyle stands next to his mother to make the introductions.

“Mother, this is April Sanders She comes highly recommended, and has already been cleared through security. April, this is Grace Rowe.”

“Everyone knows you, Mrs. Rowe. Your charity work is exemplary, and the social events you plan around those charities are well known. It’s an honor to meet you, ma’am.”

I wonder if Emily knows Kyle is her son and then it hits me—Jason Rowe. Could it be?

“My son has been singing your praises, April. I understand that you just met the other evening?” she asks, tilting her head, waiting for my answer.

“Yes, ma’am, that’s correct.”

“I also understand he has outlined the terms of the position?”

“He explained that your current driver is retiring and that you need someone right away. He also said there would be health insurance and an apartment.”

“That pretty much covers it,” she says, scribbling on a piece of paper “Here’s the starting salary. There’s also an annual bonus at Christmas. Is this acceptable to you?”

The number leaves me speechless. She tilts her head again, and I inwardly chuckle at how familiar that action seems to me.

“Yes, ma’am. Quite acceptable, thank you.”

“Can you start tomorrow?”

Surprised that she wants me to start so soon, my brain runs through my current obligations before I answer.

“I’d like to give some notice, but if you need me right away, I’ll do it as soon as I return to my car.”

“Yes, I’m afraid I do need you right away. You see, John will need to show you around before he leaves us, and that doesn’t give you very much time with him, so as soon as possible is vital,” she explains as she looks at Kyle.

“Son, will you go get your brother and sister so that we can introduce them to April?” Kyle nods and hurries to follow her instructions.

While Mrs. Rowe is advising me to contact Human Resources, the door opens, and I hear their voices.

“April, this is my sister, Nicole and this is my brother, Jason. Guys, this is April Sanders. She’ll be our new driver, so be nice to her. Jason, don’t scare her off.”

“April,” he says, gently shaking my hand. “I finally get to see the color of your eyes. They are breathtaking.”

A.P. Hallmark resides in Reno, Nevada, near her youngest daughter and four grandchildren. A paralegal in real life, she started her love of reading at the young age of fifteen, beginning with her first Harlequin Romance … and Fabio.

Her male characters are strong and possessive, her women are strong and feminine. With two powerful lead characters, her stories are filled with adventure, romance, and sometimes their will to be the last one standing gives her readers a fun ride.